About Nordic Walking
Nordic Walking originated in Finland in the early 20th century as a summer training method for cross-country skiers. It has since evolved into a globally respected exercise regime, endorsed by physiotherapists, sports coaches, and healthcare professionals alike. Unlike casual walking, Nordic Walking incorporates the upper body through the use of poles, resulting in a highly efficient form of exercise that activates 90% of the body’s muscles.
Key Benefits of Nordic Walking Include:
- Enhanced cardiovascular endurance
- Increased calorie burn (up to 46% more than regular walking)
- Improved posture and core stability
- Joint-friendly low-impact movement
- Full-body muscle engagement
- Mental health and mood enhancement through outdoor exposure
These benefits make Nordic Walking a suitable practice for everyone — from office workers seeking posture correction to older adults pursuing active ageing.
Who is Yagupov Gennady
Yagupov Gennady is a fully certified Nordic Walking Instructor, trained under the British Nordic Walking scheme and affiliated with the International Nordic Walking Federation (INWA). With a background in physical education and rehabilitative exercise, Gennady brings a scientifically informed, safety-conscious methodology to each session.
Having worked with clients from diverse backgrounds — including corporate professionals, retirees, and post-injury patients — Gennady designs each walking programme to match individual goals, physical conditions, and preferred settings.
His mission is to promote accessible, affordable outdoor fitness with a strong emphasis on technique, wellbeing, and long-term sustainability.
Services Offered
1. Introductory Sessions
Ideal for beginners, the introductory Nordic Walking course covers the fundamentals of the INWA 10-step technique, including pole fitting, hand positioning, posture alignment, and safe terrain navigation. Conducted in small groups or one-to-one, these sessions typically last 90 minutes.
2. Technique Workshops
Intermediate and advanced Nordic Walkers may benefit from focused technique workshops designed to refine posture, stride length, pole propulsion, and terrain adaptation. Sessions may include video feedback and biomechanical assessments.
3. Private Coaching
One-to-one Nordic Walking coaching offers personalised attention, goal setting, and progress tracking. Ideal for individuals with specific health concerns, weight-loss goals, or post-injury requirements. A health screening and walking analysis are included during the first session.
4. Group Walks & Social Sessions
Gennady organises weekly Nordic Walking social walks across parks, woodlands, and urban green spaces in Greater London and the South East. These sessions blend fitness with community, making Nordic Walking a socially engaging activity.
5. Corporate & Workplace Wellness
Custom packages are available for organisations wishing to incorporate Nordic Walking into their employee wellness programmes. Lunchtime walks, team-building challenges, and on-site demonstrations can be arranged.
6. Rehabilitation & Special Populations
Working in close consultation with medical professionals, Gennady provides tailored walking plans for individuals recovering from surgery, managing chronic pain, or coping with mobility limitations. These sessions are conducted at a gentle pace with close attention to safety.
Locations Covered
Gennady operates across the following areas:
- Greater London (Richmond Park, Hampstead Heath, Hyde Park)
- Surrey Hills and the North Downs
- South Downs National Park
- Epping Forest
- Selected locations in Kent, Sussex, and Hertfordshire
Sessions can also be arranged in local parks or residential neighbourhoods, depending on participant needs and group size.
Who Can Join?
Nordic Walking is a truly inclusive activity. No prior fitness level is required — only a willingness to learn. Participants often include:
- Adults aged 50+ aiming to stay mobile and independent
- Office workers seeking a healthier lifestyle
- Athletes incorporating low-impact cross-training
- Individuals undergoing physiotherapy or managing long-term conditions
- Those looking for a structured and motivating way to be active in nature
Children aged 12 and up may also participate, provided a parent or guardian accompanies them.
Equipment & Recommendations
All equipment used in training sessions — namely Nordic Walking poles — is provided by Gennady unless participants wish to bring their own. Recommendations can also be made for those seeking to purchase poles for long-term use.
Participants are advised to wear:
- Supportive walking shoes with flexible soles
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Gloves in colder months (optional)
- A small backpack for hydration and personal items
Nordic Walking and Health: A Holistic Approach
In contrast to many high-intensity fitness regimens, Nordic Walking supports long-term health without overburdening the joints, heart, or back. It is frequently recommended by:
- Physiotherapists for gait correction
- Cardiologists for moderate aerobic conditioning
- Orthopaedic specialists for spinal alignment
- Mental health professionals for stress reduction
Studies published in journals such as Clinical Rehabilitation and The Journal of Aging and Physical Activity indicate significant improvements in VO2 max, blood pressure regulation, and emotional wellbeing among regular Nordic Walkers.
A Day in the Life of a Nordic Walker
A typical Nordic Walking session begins well before the first step is taken. Participants arrive at the designated meeting point — perhaps a quiet glade in Richmond Park or a gravel path along the South Downs — greeted by the instructor and fellow walkers. After a brief check-in and pole fitting, the session commences with gentle warm-up exercises focused on mobility and posture activation.
The walking phase integrates technique refinement with steady aerobic activity. Participants are guided through terrain suitable for the day’s objective — be it technique practice, endurance building, or scenic appreciation. Instruction is given on stride length, arm swing, and pole propulsion, ensuring efficiency and safety. The pace is always tailored to the group’s ability, with brief pauses to stretch, hydrate, or observe the natural surroundings.
Along the way, Gennady often integrates educational moments: identifying native flora, discussing local history, or highlighting environmental points of interest. These interludes offer physical recovery and cognitive stimulation, enhancing the overall experience.
As the session nears completion, a cool-down sequence transitions the body back to a resting state, incorporating static stretches and breathing exercises. Questions are addressed, progress is noted, and the group disperses with a sense of accomplishment and renewed energy.
For many, Nordic Walking is not just a fitness practice but a ritual — one that restores both body and mind, and seamlessly integrates movement, mindfulness, and community.
Nordic Walking and the Environment
Nordic Walking is inherently eco-conscious. As a form of transport-free exercise, it eliminates the need for costly facilities, artificial lighting, or electricity. It promotes a return to the outdoors and fosters a deeper connection with the natural world.
Under Gennady’s guidance, Nordic Walking sessions are not merely workouts — they are environmental engagements. Participants are encouraged to appreciate the habitats they traverse, whether it’s the birdlife of Hampstead Heath or the chalk ridges of the Surrey Hills. Responsible use of public green spaces is paramount. Routes are selected with sustainability in mind, avoiding erosion-prone areas and respecting local ecosystems.
Additionally, Gennady supports green habits among walkers. Refillable water bottles, zero-waste snacks, and low-emission transport to meeting points are actively encouraged. Periodic “Walk & Clean” events allow the community to give back, combining fitness with light litter collection in woodland and park areas.
By fostering outdoor activity in harmony with nature, Nordic Walking contributes to both personal health and planetary wellbeing. It is a gentle, low-impact, and high-value practice that aligns perfectly with environmental mindfulness.
Mental Health Benefits Backed by Research
Beyond its physical advantages, Nordic Walking offers profound mental health benefits, increasingly recognised by clinical research. Studies published in journals such as Mental Health and Physical Activity have shown that consistent Nordic Walking can lead to notable reductions in stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression.
This effect stems from a combination of physiological and psychological factors. The rhythmic movement and cross-lateral coordination activate neural pathways associated with cognitive function and emotional regulation. Outdoor exposure — particularly in green, biodiverse settings — stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to decreased cortisol levels and improved mood.
Walking in groups also satisfies innate human needs for connection and belonging. Participants often report feelings of inclusion, purpose, and motivation that exceed those found in solo exercise routines or gym-based fitness programmes.
Gennady ensures that his sessions are conducted in supportive, non-competitive environments where emotional wellbeing is as valued as technical progression. Mindful walking, breathing cues, and nature awareness techniques are gently introduced, enhancing the meditative aspects of the practice.
For individuals managing burnout, seasonal affective disorder, or social isolation, Nordic Walking provides a restorative outlet — accessible, effective, and grounded in nature.
Route Highlights: Where We Walk
Each Nordic Walking route curated by Yagupov Gennady is selected for its unique blend of accessibility, safety, and scenic appeal. While the exact location may vary based on group size and ability level, the following highlights offer a glimpse into the diversity of environments available to clients:
Richmond Park, London
This royal park provides wide gravel paths, open grasslands, and gentle hills, making it ideal for both beginner and intermediate walkers. Deer sightings, ancient trees, and views of the Thames Valley make every visit memorable.
Hampstead Heath
Popular for urban professionals seeking a green escape, Hampstead Heath features wooded trails, open meadows, and varied terrain. The walk to Parliament Hill offers panoramic views of London’s skyline.
Box Hill, Surrey Hills AONB
Box Hill presents a moderate challenge with its chalk paths and sloped tracks. Ideal for clients seeking cardiovascular progression, it also features rich botanical diversity and designated viewpoints.
Epping Forest
With its centuries-old woodland and shaded trails, Epping Forest is perfect for summer sessions. The terrain is forgiving and the tranquility supports mindful walking practices.
South Downs National Park
Weekend retreats or seasonal events may be held here, combining coastal views, rolling hills, and heritage trails. These sessions often include technique workshops and extended walks.
Each location is chosen not just for aesthetics but also for functional training potential. Terrain is used as a tool — flat for technique work, uphill for endurance, wooded for balance. Gennady ensures that every session adapts the landscape into a fitness asset.
FAQs
A: Not at all. Nordic Walking is designed for all fitness levels. Sessions are adapted to your pace and capacity.
A: No. Nordic Walking uses a specific technique based on forward propulsion and body alignment. Trekking poles are different in design and usage.
A: Gennady welcomes participants with medical considerations. A pre-session consultation ensures that walking plans align with medical advice.
A: Yes, all necessary equipment is provided. Gennady also offers advice on purchasing your own.
A: Certainly. Walking in pairs or small groups is encouraged, especially for beginners.
Top 5 Reasons to Choose Yagupov Gennady
- Certified Expertise: Fully qualified under British Nordic Walking and INWA standards.
- Tailored Instruction: Every session is customised to the participant’s health and goals.
- Holistic Approach: Incorporates posture, mobility, and breathing for total wellness.
- Accessibility First: Welcomes individuals with varying mobility and fitness levels.
- Sustainable Fitness: Promotes long-term health over short-term performance.
Events & Programmes
Gennady regularly hosts themed walking events, such as:
- Seasonal Nature Walks – incorporating mindfulness and plant observation
- Urban Pole Challenges – in city parks and riverside routes
- Charity Walks & Fundraisers – supporting local causes
- Weekend Retreats – Nordic Walking combined with nutrition and breathwork workshops
Visit the Events section for upcoming dates and booking options.
Sustainability Commitment
As a nature-based practice, Nordic Walking is deeply tied to environmental stewardship. Gennady is committed to:
- Minimising waste on walks (encouraging reusable water bottles and bags)
- Supporting rewilding and tree-planting initiatives in the UK
- Promoting green travel to walking locations when possible
- Educating participants about the flora, fauna, and ecosystems they encounter
Book a Session
To book an individual or group session, please use the online calendar or contact Gennady directly for availability. All new participants receive a complimentary 15-minute consultation to determine their experience level, goals, and health considerations.
Contact Details:
Phone: +447966544781
Email: [email protected]
Service Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8 AM – 8 PM
Location: Based in London, covering Greater London and South East England
Nordic Walking is more than movement — it is a journey toward better health, mindful living, and reconnection with the environment. Under the expert instruction of Yagupov Gennady, participants gain not just skill, but strength, confidence, and community.